Being an ethical bystander

All members of our university community have a role to play in creating a culture of respect and helping to change unacceptable behaviour.

This can include acts of bias, prejudice, discrimination, violence and harassment.

Being an ethical bystander is one of the ways you can help shape our uni culture to create a community where everyone is welcome and safe.

Small Actions, Big Difference

When jokes are hurtful, when comments turn creepy or when 'just having fun' isn't fun for everyone.

Stepping in as a bystander during these kinds of situations, or supporting someone after the fact, has powerful ripple effects.

But, as outlined by Teach Us Consent, not every moment is clear-cut. Sometimes, someone crosses a line and you don’t know whether (or how) to step in.

Whether it’s a mate making unwanted advances at the pub, someone being inappropriate at work, or a stranger pushing boundaries, stepping in as a bystander isn’t always easy.

The podcast episode below, from Teach Us Consent unpacks how to speak up without losing your friends or starting a fight, and how even small actions can make a big difference.

Video

How to step in and stop harm

Host Anthony Stefanos is joined by Tom Forrest, Lucy McEvoy and Dan Principe for a real-world conversation about these tricky moments when something feels off - and you're not sure what to do.

The "4Ds of Bystander Intervention"

The "4Ds of bystander intervention" provide a framework for acting when you see someone at risk.

  • Direct (speak up)
  • Distract (change subject, create a diversion)
  • Delegate (get help)
  • Delay (check in later)

Here are some examples of what to say when people cross the line.

  • Speak up directly: "That joke wasn't cool."
  • Use humor: "Read the room, mate."
  • Ask questions: "How would you feel if somebody said that about someone you loved?"
  • Shift the conversation: Change the subject to break the moment
  • Check in privately: "Hey, you're better than that."
  • Create distance: "Let's head somewhere else."
  • Support the harmed or offended person: "Are you okay?"
  • Talk one-on-one later: "What was going on earlier?"